Durant, U.S. drain 3s to pull away from France

Updated: July 29, 2012, 11:40 AM ET

Associated Press

LONDON -- The U.S. men's basketball team has won its Olympic opener, beating France 98-71 behind 22 points from Kevin Durant.

Kevin Love added 14 and Kobe Bryant had 10 for the Americans, who led by a point after one quarter Sunday but made six 3-pointers in the second on their way to a 52-36 halftime lead.

Durant and Bryant opened the third with 3s, and the reigning gold medalists cruised from there.

Tony Parker had 10 points for France, a medal contender with six NBA players.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press